Novena of the Precious Blood: Day 2

Jun 1, 2018

Deacon Matthew Keller, C.PP.S., will be ordained to the priesthood on June 9. In preparation for his ordination, he asks that we join him in praying the Novena of the Precious Blood written by the late Fr. Ernest Ranly, C.PP.S.

Day two: Jesus Sheds Blood in the Circumcision

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening Prayer

O God, our heavenly Father, out of love for the human family, you willed your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer through the shedding of his blood.

Blessing and thanksgiving be evermore to Jesus.

Who with his blood has saved us.

We give you thanks for the gift of our Lord’s blood, which he shed until the last drop for our salvation. May the blood of Jesus, shed for us, purify us and protect us from all evil.

In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we drink the blood of the new and eternal covenant. May it give us peace and may it unite us with all the human family, especially with the poor and the marginalized.

May the Precious Blood of Jesus become for us the blood of life, of unity and of peace. May this mystery of love and grace fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit. United with the Blood of Christ, may we participate with Christ in the work of redeeming our world of today.

Praise to the blood of Jesus.

Now and forever. Amen.

Presentation

“When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2: 21)

Reflection

For the Jewish people the circumcision of male children was a sign of the covenant of belonging to the people of God. It was also a sign of professed fidelity to God. The circumcision of Jesus expressed his identification with the people of Israel, showing that Jesus was clearly human.

Mary and Joseph, faithful to the traditions of their people and what the Law of Moses commanded, fulfilled these precepts. Therefore, on the 8th day after his birth, they offered his life to God, in the rite of circumcision. In this moment also they gave a name to the recently born child. Mary and Joseph gave him the name of Jesus, which signifies Savior.

Meditation

“Though he was in the form of God, he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men. He was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6 – 8)

Resolutions

To respect and obey both church and civil law.

To renew our baptismal promises.

To accept with dignity and respect, our sexuality.

Final prayer

Eternal Father, we offer you the Precious Blood of Jesus shed in the circumcision.

In the fullness of time, you sent your only Son, born of a woman, born under the Law. Help us to live in our lives the true spirit of laws. In Baptism we have become your children, the new people of God. Preserve in us your strength to be able to live with dignity and confidence, our sexuality. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen